Hydrogel-Filled Medical Balloons for Controlled Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectable materials for medical applications face issues such as asymmetric localized deployment, off-target embolization, and complexity in removal due to delayed reactions or migration, leading to potential inconveniences in medical procedures like spacing, lifting, and embolization.
Innovation Solution
Conformable, fillable balloons filled with hydrogel materials crosslinked by hydrolysable or reversible covalent linkers, allowing controlled injection and complete removal by withdrawing the balloon, along with optional imaging agents and biostable or degradable materials for various medical uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If injectable materials are used for spacing, lifting, and embolization, then these medical procedures can be performed, but asymmetric localized deployment and off-target embolization occur due to delayed reaction or migration of the implanted material
Solution Approach 1:
A balloon is introduced as an intermediary delivery device that confines the injectable material during transport and deployment. The balloon serves as a controlled release mechanism, allowing the material to be delivered precisely to the target site without premature reaction or migration, thereby eliminating asymmetric deployment and off-target embolization while maintaining the ability to perform spacing, lifting, and embolization procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If injectable materials are implanted for medical procedures, then the procedures can be performed, but complete removal of the material is complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the delivery function (balloon) from the therapeutic function (implantable material). The balloon can be completely removed by withdrawal, and if the material is delivered as particles or beads within the balloon, these can also be retrieved through the balloon's delivery catheter. This segmentation allows complete removal of both the delivery device and the implantable material, eliminating the complexity associated with removing traditionally injected materials
3Reliability
If conformable fillable balloons are used to confine injectable materials, then asymmetric localized deployment and off-target embolization are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon system is designed to be multi-functional: it serves as a delivery catheter, a containment vessel, a deployment mechanism, and potentially a retrieval device all in one. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining controlled deployment of the implantable material for various procedures including spacing, lifting, and embolization
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the risk of unconfined deployment and off-target embolization, enables complete removal of injected material, and allows for a wider range of injectable materials, enhancing the precision and efficacy of medical procedures like spacing, lifting, and embolization.
Implementation Method 1
the crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains are crosslinked by crosslinks that comprise hydrolysable linkers
Implementation Method 2
crosslinks that comprise reversible covalent linkers that incorporate reactive dimeric linkers
Implementation Method 3
the crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains are crosslinked by crosslinks that comprise immolative linkers
Data Source
AI summary
In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to balloon implantation kits comprising: (a) a balloon configured to be implanted in a mammalian body and (b) a reservoir containing a filler material that is configured to be injected into the balloon, the filler material selected from a hydrogel filler material comprising crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains or hydrogel precursors that form a hydrogel filler material in the balloon when combined.